London School of Commerce

London School of Commerce (London School of Commerce)

History: The school was set up in 1999 by EDW Fact plc, a private sector accountancy body, with the aim of providing quality and affordable education to students from across the world. Awarded associate college of Cardiff Metropolitan University status in 2006.

Address: Three campuses located near London Bridge in central London. LSC is part of the St Piran's School group which also encompasses the School of Technology and Management (STM) and the School of Business and Law (SBL).

Ambience: Urban and lively. London Bridge has a busy railway station and is just over the river from the city's financial centre.

Who's the boss? Professor Geoff Lancaster is the dean of academic studies.

Prospectus: 020 7357 0077 or visit the website here.

UCAS code: L70

What you need to know

Easy to get into? Not very but they accept a range of international qualifications. Mature students with relevant experience and students with standard UK qualifications may also be accepted. Interviews are conducted with each student, first by a marketing officer and secondly by a senior staff member.

Vital statistics: Around 200 staff and 4,000 students from more than 120 countries studying a range of business and management diploma courses, and additional classes in English as a foreign language. The SBL has an additional 2,000 students and 80 staff. Courses resulting in a degree from the University of Wales Institute, Cardiff are offered as part of a partnership agreement. Courses include a BA (Hons) in business studies and MBA.

Added value: Flexible start and end points, with six intakes per year across the three schools. Courses are designed with expectations of prospective employers in mind. Degree programmes are completed in two years, reducing costs for students. Social and educational trips to Europe and around the UK are organised every term.

Teaching: The college is accredited by the British Accreditation Council for Independent Further and Higher Education (BAC), and the Accreditation Service for International Colleges (ASIC).

Any accommodation? None provided by the college but it can help find students find somewhere to stay in flats, houses or with a host family.

Cheap to live there? No way - expect to pay around £120 per week for a room in a shared flat in the London Bridge area. Many students commute in from cheaper parts of the south east where it can be less pricey.

Transport links: London Bridge is easily accessible by rail, bus and underground.

Fees: Vary by course but the average degree charges £6,950 per year.

Bursaries: Some scholarships and bursaries are offered by the school but get in touch with them directly for details.

The fun stuff

Nightlife: All that London has to offer. (Clue - a lot.)

Glittering alumni: None as yet.